Hello everyone, I would like to take my husband on a night away for his birthday. We live in Studio City and would be willing to drive up to an hour and a half... does anyone have any ideas? We like quiet, unique places and if it's near the ocean, mountains or desert, all the better. He loves kayak fishing in La Jolla, CA. We also love Ojai. We could go to Santa Barbara as well... or anywhere else... this would be for one romantic night out and a day outdoors. Let me know your thoughts!! And thank you in advance!
Thank you so much for all your suggestions... it really helped me to take a look at different options. Unfortunately, the ones I really wanted are already booked for the dates we would go. I'm going to plan something else this time around and keep these for future romantic adventures! Thank you soooo much!! Also, if you have more suggestions, KEEP THEM COMING!! I'm sure all of use could use a fantastic list of great romantic getaway options!!!
One of my favorite romantic B&B's is The Simpson House Inn in Santa Barbara. Even if you've never been, they know who you are as soon as you drive up and greet you like you're old friends.
M.
SAN YSIDRO RANCH!!! Hands down, some of the best memories from my childhood were created there. Pricey, but worth every penny - and the food - yum yum yum!!!!
Hi there K.. Inn of the Spanish Garden is a must in Santa Barbara if you're looking for a more intimate experience compared to bigger hotels. Check out the Web site at http://spanishgardeninn.com. Book a room in the back. It's not on the hippest street, but it's walking distance to the fun of State Street. Eat at Bouchon (http://www.bouchonsantabarbara.com). Delish!
Try the Cliff House at Mussel Shoals on the way to Ventura - it is right above the beach and you can hear the ocean at night! It's not fancy but it's special due to its location.
Hi K.,
I see others have already recommended it so I'll just agree with that good advice to look at El Capitan Canyon near Santa Barbara. From the way you've described your family I think you would love it. Actually, it sounds like you and your husband will enjoy this special celebration and time together whatever you choose to do! :•:*¨¨*:•.-:¦:- •* God bless!
Here a link to the El Capitan info on Expedia. If you're interested in a stay there you may want to compare the prices at this site to the rate if booking directly:
K.- I too live in the Los Angeles area, and in fact quite nearby .. I am over in the Northridge/Chatswworth/Granada Hills area - but that doesn't answer your question. Out of all of the places you mentioned which did you and your husband prefer and enjoy the most? There is also a town south of us if you head towards the San Diego area called Oceanside which is really quiet. They have alot of interesting things to do there plus the beach and the last time I was there they had plenty of fishing and the pier as it literally sits on the beach! Check in out thru your travel person, or Google the town itself if you wish and see if its someplace you might be interested in. Its on the 405 I believe. Also if the sailboat races are going on in San Diego you wouldn't be too far. - Thats south of us - then again the Strawberry Festival is coming up if you and your husband are into seeing just HOW many different things they can make with strawberries - and thats in Ventura- so thats north of us. Since I don't know when his birthday is I cant really advice you but both are fun, on the water, and have great hotels nearby as well as well as other activies! Have fun, and Best Wishes to your husband!
I've got 3 suggestions...
Redwood Hollow Guest Cottages in La Jolla
El Capitan CANYON campground (Not the beach campground; rent a fully-loaded cabin for a night in the canyon beyond) about 20 miles north of Santa Barbara.
Hotel Bamboo (Hollywood)
Have fun!
I am from Santa Barbara and have to agree with several of your responses:
~Inn of the Spanish Garden is where my husband and I spent our wedding night and it is absolutely amazing. It's very small and intimate and just top-notch.
~Bacara Resort and Spa is gorgeous and in a very private area with beautiful views of the ocean, definitely worth looking into.
~San Ysidro Ranch is the epitome of class and luxury. You will not be disappointed if you choose to stay here and the restaurant is also not to be missed.
~Not mentioned, I don't think, is the Four Seasons Biltmore in Montecito (minutes from Santa Barbara)which offers lush gardens, ocean views (it's right across the street from Butterfly Beach, perfect for a stroll along the sand at sunset), wonderful food and the ulimate in amenities.
Personally, I think you could not go wrong choosing Santa Barbara as your destination, no matter where you stay! Have fun!!!
If you're into the outdoors, I recommend El Capitan Canyon, just a few miles near Santa Barbara. They call it "Glamping" Glamorous Camping. You can rent a tent or a log cabin both of which come with a fire pit for roasting food. It's right next to the ocean and there's great hiking. If you're looking for a little more action, you can simply drive the few miles to visit Santa Barbara. Here's the site:
I am not sure what your budget is but there is a great place in Santa Barbara call Bacara Spa (not sure of spelling). It is romantic and has the most amazing spa. You could get a couples message.
Good luck and have fun.
J. S.
We LOVE the Cliff House Inn in Muscle Shoals. It's 1/2 way between Ventura and Santa Barbara. They have great specials during the winter. Here's their website.
www.cliffhouseinn.com
Enjoy :)
How about Ojai Valley Inn and Spa? It is peaceful and beautiful. Suzanne's is a great restaurant close by....
I saw several people mention Santa Barbara...if you are looking for something truly one-of-a-kind (& adventurous), then I know a place! There is a property in the SB mtns called Bjorklund Ranch, and they have several small yurts/cabins - we stayed in one of their yurts last year (a round circular structure with a wrap-around deck). It's very rustic, but there is a clawfoot tub on an enclosed deck, and you can take a bubblebath for two, and let the water overflow through the deck - very nice! There are hiking trails, and I think the owners can arrange massages as well. It is a very quiet, peaceful place - you can sit outside and gaze at the stars, or sit inside by the fire! The website is http://www.bjorklundranch.com/home.html .
Wherever you go...hope you have fun!
-S. Kavert :)
Hi Christine,
You didn't say how much you want to spend, but The Montage Resort & Spa is supposed to be very romantic and beautiful. It is in Laguna Beach, on the ocean. I, myself, have never been there, but I know several people who have been. Or if you are willing to drive further, there is the Hotel Del Coronado. An elegant, old world hotel on the beach.
Whatever you decide, have a great time.
J.
Hi K.,
My husband and I like the Brakey House in Ventura. Antique b and B with a great German Breakfast included!
Have Fun
Try the Surf and Sand in Laguna or the Playa del Rey Inn, overlooking the wetlands ; one of the rooms has a fireplace in a double bathtub!.
Park your car and explore the beach areas of either.
Korakia in Palm springs, beautiful, no phones, peaceful, but in town so you can get a nice dinner out.
The Borrego valley inn. It is a little further than 1 1/2 hours but so wonderful! It is in the desert of Anza Borrego in a little town called Borrego Springs (not much in the town). There are desert wildflowers right now and it is a beautiful hike back to the Oasis. Go to www.borregovalleyinn.com for details. They have two pools, one for family and one is "european style". We didn't know what that meant until we went and there were naked people swimming. Nothing sexual and a big fence all around that pool. Nice place though and very booked at this time of year so call ahead.
The Inn at Playa del Rey. Check it out.
-L.
